KZN Higher Education Institutions and the Municipality Unite to Celebrate Africa Day

BY: .

UKZN staff, local and international students recently marked Africa Day 2025 in a joint event hosted by the Durban University of Technology (DUT), the University of Zululand, the Mangosuthu University of Technology, and eThekwini Municipality.

Under the theme “Strengthening African Unity and Higher Education Collaboration”, the event, held at the Greyville Convention Centre, featured panel discussions, cultural dance performances, exhibitions on traditional food and fashion, and a showcase of student entrepreneurs and innovations.

Dr Lavern Samuels, DUT’s Director of International Education and Partnerships, acknowledged the presence of the various partner Higher Education institutions and the Municipality’s International Office. He noted during his recent visits that the post-colonial existence has not unfolded as many great leaders had hoped, making it all the more important for institutions to celebrate Africa Day in a way that is confident in what they do as educational institutions.

‘Africa Day is a powerful reminder of a continent’s resilience, diversity and boundless potential. It is a day to celebrate the founding of the Organisation of African Unity in 1963, to reflect on our journey, and to renew our commitment to the ideals of pan-Africanism, unity and solidarity. We celebrate the tapestry of cultures, languages and traditions that make us uniquely African, and we honour the strength that lies in that diversity,’ said Samuels.

He added that the collaboration seeks to build bridges across disciplines, institutions and borders, co-creating solutions to Africa’s challenges, enhancing our collective strength for the benefit of the continent. Samuel said the celebrations are a testament to what is possible when institutions come together in the spirit of Ubuntu partnership and nurturing the next generation of African scholars.

During a student panel discussion chaired by Mr Benjamin Aye Simon from DUT, UKZN international students Mr Glen Mkhonta and Mr Keith Dz’Wairo contributed to the conversation on strengthening African unity and development.

Dz’Wairo, a Zimbabwean and Law student, said there was limited interaction between local and international students, and more opportunities were needed to encourage engagement. Mkhonta, a master’s student in Hydrology from Swaziland, shared that language was a barrier to social inclusion, as it often determines who is able to participate in conversations.

In response to a question about how cultural values reflect Africanism, Dz’Wairo said more effort was needed to promote African identity and unity, while Mkhonta added that achieving unity at a national level could pave the way for greater continental integration.

Other performances included poetry, singing, role-playing, Imbongi recitals and Indian traditional dance. The day concluded with an academic panel discussion and a fashion show.

Words: Sithembile Shabangu

Photographs: Nkosikhona Gcabashe